At 72 years old, Susie Smith, a resident of Bell County, Texas, found herself facing a frightening and traumatic situation after becoming the victim of domestic violence.
Susie, who is disabled, was seriously injured after an argument turned violent. According to court records, the man chased her, hit her in the head several times, and knocked her to the ground. She suffered injuries to her head and leg and had to get medical treatment afterward.
After the assault, Susie reached out to Lone Star Legal Aid for help. She was connected with attorney Brandy Howard at Lone Star Legal Aid’s Belton Branch Office. Brandy listened to Susie’s story and helped her take legal steps to protect herself.
Lone Star Legal Aid helped Susie file for a Protective Order in Bell County. The court documents explained that Susie was especially vulnerable because of her age and disability. Even after the person accused of hurting her was released from jail, the harassment continued.
A protective order is a legal order signed by a judge to help protect someone from being hurt, threatened, harassed, or contacted by another person. It can require the abusive person to stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, or school and stop calling, texting, threatening, or bothering them. If the person violates the protective order, they can be arrested or face criminal charges.
Brandy Howard worked to help Susie feel safe again. With Lone Star Legal Aid’s help, Susie successfully received a Protective Order that ordered the other person to stay away from her and stop contacting or harassing her.
For Susie, the Protective Order meant more than just paperwork. It gave her peace of mind and helped her feel safer in her own home.
Disclaimer: Client name has been changed to protect client privacy and confidentiality.